Project Supervisor for the Abydos Solar PV Power Plant, Egypt's Largest, Is Now Director Nominee - This Position Holds by the Owner's Selection in the 1GW Solar Project Development.
The Role of DNV in Egypt's Abydos II Solar Power Project
DNV, a global energy advisor, has been appointed as the Owner's Engineer for the astronomical 1GW Abydos II Solar Photovoltaic (PV) power plant with an integrated Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) - the largest of its kind in Egypt. This project is a game-changer, marking a significant leap in Egypt's renewable energy sector.
In this monumental role, DNV will lend their expertise from the project's inception to its commissioning, ensuring it's technologically robust, complies with regulations, and operates efficiently.
Core Areas of Focus for DNV
DNV's focus will be on three critical areas:
- Design Resilience: DNV will help adapt the plant layout and choose technology that can withstand the extreme desert conditions, including intense heat and dust accumulation, ensuring optimal performance and longevity.
- Grid Compliance: DNV will analyze grid simulations to guarantee the project integrates seamlessly with Egypt's national electricity network, maintaining system stability and complying with regulations.
- Battery Safety: Using international BESS safety standards, DNV will minimize fire and thermal risks associated with the BESS, given its novelty and the scale in Egypt.
Santiago Blanco, Executive VP at DNV, explained, "We're helming the Abydos Solar PV Power Plant project to ensure it's robust, future-ready, and aligned with Egypt's long-term energy goals."
Employment and Environmental Impact
The Abydos II Solar PV Power Plant is projected to create approximately 4,000 jobs during construction and contribute significantly to Egypt's decarbonization goals under Vision 2035. Situated on 20km² of desert land in Aswan Governorate, the project avoids disturbances to local communities or agriculture and features eco-friendly design. It also boasts a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with the Egyptian Electricity Transmission Company (EETC).
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Abydos II Solar PV Project Factsheet
- Capacity: 1GW Solar PV + 600MWh BESS
- Location: Aswan Governorate, Egypt
- Owner: AMEA Power Ltd via AFRE
- Cost: Approx. US$750 million
- Financing: IFC - US$120M loan + US$480M mobilized
- Key Features:
- 144 inverter stations
- 1.6km transmission line
- 500kV grid substation
- EMS and integrated control systems
- Offices, warehouse, roads, and security perimeter
- Construction: Began Jan 2025; completion expected May 2026
- Environmental Clearance: ESIA Addendum in progress
- Offtaker: EETC
Egypt's Renewable Energy Expansion
Elsewhere in Egypt, a $200 million deal was inked with China's Sunrev Solar for the construction of the Ain Sokhna Solar Energy Complex Project. Similarly, Africa's largest solar photovoltaic farm, the Obelisk solar project, is slated to receive US$184 million, highlighting Egypt's commitment to harnessing clean, renewable energy sources.
In conclusion, DNV's crucial role as the Owner's Engineer for the Abydos II Solar PV power plant will help ensure the project's success. Their extensive oversight across design, safety, grid integration, and construction quality will make this solar-plus-storage project in Egypt a beacon for renewable energy development in the region, supporting the country's broader energy transition and socioeconomic development goals.
- DNV, as the Owner's Engineer for the Abydos II Solar Power Project, will focus on the project's design, ensuring it's resilient against extreme desert conditions and incorporates construction materials suitable for the environment.
- In addition to design aspects, DNV will analyze grid simulations to ensure the project's integration with Egypt's national electricity network, maintaining system stability and compliance with regulations.
- Recognizing the novelty and scale of the project's Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), DNV will prioritize battery safety, utilizing international standards to minimize fire and thermal risks associated with the BESS.
- Beyond technical aspects, the Abydos II Solar PV Power Plant is expected to create employment opportunities, contribute to Egypt's decarbonization goals, and minimize environmental impact,making it an environmentally friendly industrial endeavor in line with Egypt's long-term energy and socioeconomic development objectives.
